Minakami and Numata in Gunma Prefecture are great places to visit in winter! There is a diverse treasure trove of many activities and attractions that can be enjoyed in the area! The only dog sledding attraction in Honshu, the main island of Japan, is located there, and you can also enjoy other winter activities such as snow rafting.
Winter is also the perfect season for strawberry picking! You can drop by places such as Minakami Fruits Land Mogitore which are open even in winter.
Places nearby such as Takumi no Sato provide unique experiences of various crafts such as dyeing with plants, glass etching, painting, soba making and many more, all in one street!
In addition to this multitude of hands-on experiences available, the area is also replete with famous hot spring resorts and day bathing facilities for a relaxing time. Furthermore, on weekends, you can also make a short trip from/to Takasaki via the popular authentic steam locomotive train, SL Gunma Minakami, and enjoy precious time riding in it.
On the way back, or from Tokyo, stop by Takasaki to visit Shorinzan Darumaji Temple or Daimonya where you can try your hand at painting a Daruma (cute fortune doll), a popular souvenir among foreign tourists.
Minakami Kogen Ski Resort (Dog sledding experience)
Access :Minakami Kogen Ski Resort (Dog sledding experience)
Operating hours :
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen for about one hour and get off at JR Jomo Kogen Station. It is about 1 hour by shuttle bus.
Website :https://www.minakami-ski.jp/activity/sled_dog/index.html
Takumi no Sato (Craft experience)
Access :847 Sukawa, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma Prefecture
Operating hours :Varies with each experience. Please check the website for more details.
How to get there :From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen for about one hour and get off at JR Jomo Kogen Station. It is about 15 minutes by bus or taxi.
Website :http://takuminosato.jp/
